Employers

According to the American Gaming Association, the U.S. casino industry supports 1.8 million jobs in 43 states. States with the largest number of casino workers included Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio. 

Major casino corporations (most of which also own hotels) include MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands Corp., Caesars Entertainment, Penn National Gaming, Wynn Resorts, Century Casinos, and Monarch Casino & Resort Inc. Many U.S.-headquartered casino companies also either have properties in foreign countries (especially Macau, China) or are actively considering foreign expansion.

Top U.S. racetrack casino markets by revenue include Philadelphia; New York City; Yonkers, New York; Charles Town, West Virginia; Providence, Rhode Island; Indianapolis, Indiana; Dade County, Florida; Dover/Harrington, Delaware; Meadow Lands, Pennsylvania; and Grantville, Pennsylvania.

Starting Out

Applicants should contact the personnel officers of casinos, hotels, and resorts for information on openings and entry-level requirements. Previous experience may be difficult to obtain if the applicant lives in an area that prohibits gambling. Previous work experience in the hospitality industry, however, is a big advantage for beginners. Applicants may want to contact casinos prior to the heavy vacation season or be willing to accept part-time employment and work their way up. Many casino schools have job placement services for their graduates. Check for this perk before enrolling.

Advancement often comes to employees who demonstrate professionalism, have self-confidence, and establish good work records. Part-time employees may be offered full-time positions as slot cashiers or keno runners, who may advance to become cage cashiers or keno writers. Dealers generally begin at minimum wager tables and advance to tables featuring higher stakes as they gain experience and sharpen their skills.

Most supervisory positions require additional education and training as well as experience in the casino. Positions such as executive casino host, casino manager, or director of table games, require leadership, managerial skills, and keen perception. Experienced supervisors with advanced education can move into management positions in other fields such as hospitality or tourism. Another option is to become a casino games trainer.

Check out Get to Know Gaming (https://www.americangaming.org/get-to-know-gaming) to learn more about the gaming industry.

Visit http://www.casinocareers.com for job listings.

Contact casinos in your area to learn about job opportunities.

Try to land an entry-level job at a casino to get your "foot in the door" and make networking contacts.